AI Article Synopsis
- A case study reports on an 85-year-old woman experiencing severe confusion due to apathetic thyrotoxicosis linked to subacute thyroiditis.
- Laboratory tests showed high levels of thyroid hormones but no thyroid antibodies, while a radioactive iodine scan indicated low absorption typical of thyroiditis.
- After receiving steroids, the patient's mental state improved, highlighting the importance of considering thyroid issues when older patients present with altered mental status.
Article Abstract
Objective: To report a case of apathetic thyrotoxicosis with an etiology of subacute thyroiditis.
Methods: We describe the patient's clinical findings, laboratory findings, and clinical course.
Results: An 85-year-old woman with no history of thyroid disease presented with severe obtundation and altered mental status. Laboratory testing documented elevated free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine concentrations and a suppressed thyrotropin concentration. Thyroid antibodies were absent. A radioactive iodine study revealed severely diminished uptake, suggestive of thyroiditis. After a short course of steroids, the patient's mental status returned to baseline. Follow-up laboratory testing showed normalizing thyroid function.
Conclusion: Even in the absence of a history of thyroid disease, we recommend considering thyroid dysfunction in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with altered mental status, particularly in the elderly population.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.4158/EP11373.CR | DOI Listing |
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